The Commission's 2017 Work Programme: Delivering a Europe that protects, empowers and defends

As we enter the New Year, the European Commission will devote all its efforts to implementing its 2017 Work Programme, which focuses squarely on delivery of the 10 priorities outlined in the Juncker Commission's Political Guidelines in order to address the biggest challenges Europeans face today. Moreover, this year's Work Programme proposes 21 key initiatives, as well as a further 18 REFIT proposals to improve the quality of existing EU legislation and ensure our rules are fit for purpose. To ensure a focus on delivery, the Commission Work Programme also identifies 34 priority pending proposals we have made in the past two years where swift adoption by the Parliament and Council can make a tangible impact on the ground. This is in line with the first ever Joint Declaration signed in December by the Presidents of the Parliament, Council and Commission committing to ensure swift legislative progress on priority initiatives in six specific areas and, where possible, delivery before the end of 2017. For more information see: Factsheet. (For more information: Margaritis Schinas – Tel.: +32 229 60524; Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456)

Commission welcomes entry into force of new transparency rules for tax rulings

The Commission has welcomed the entry into force of new rules to ensure that Member States have all the information they need on tax rulings given to multinational companies in other EU countries. As of 1 January 2017, Member States are obliged to automatically exchange information on all new cross-border tax rulings that they issue. This will be done through a central depository, accessible to all EU countries. Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, said: "We have a duty to make corporate taxation fairer and more transparent, and to use every means possible to block tax abuse and profit shifting. The entry into force of the automatic exchange of information on cross-border tax rulings on 1 January marks a major step forward. It equips Member States and their national tax administrations with the information they need to detect certain abusive tax practices and take the necessary action in response." A full press release is available here. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – Tel.: +32 229 56194; Patrick McCullough – Tel.: +32 229 87183)